Published 7:06 am, Wednesday, September 10, 2014

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) today outlined on the Senate floor what he hopes to hear from the President during his address regarding U.S. policy toward the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL). Excerpts of his remarks are below.

“I urge the President to go beyond the rhetoric and offer a clear explanation of our military objectives and our strategic objectives.

“I urge him to explain how and why the Islamic State poses a dangerous threat to U.S. national security interests, which I believe it does. I believe he thinks it does. So I hope he will explain it to the American people so they can understand it.

“I urge him to explain how U.S. allies and partners can help support America's mission, because we can't and should not do it alone. And indeed we do need that coalition - particularly of people in the region - who have the most direct interest and stake in the outcome. We need them to come to the table and help, too.

“And finally, I'd urge him to explain what his strategy is and how U.S. operations in Iraq and Syria fit within the broader war on radical Islamic terrorism.

“I hope it is followed by true collaboration and consultation with all members of Congress, so that we as Americans can come together and do what is in our national interest."

Senator Cornyn serves on the Finance and Judiciary Committees. He serves as the top Republican on the Judiciary Committee’s Immigration, Refugees and Border Security subcommittee. He served previously as Texas Attorney General, Texas Supreme Court Justice, and Bexar County District Judge.